The three months of Winter are called closing and storing.
Water freezes, earth cracks.
Do not disturb the Yang at all. Early to bed, late to rise.
(One) must await the daylight.
Make that which is of the Heart/mind as though hidden, as though concealed, as though (one) has a secret intention, already obtained.
Leave the cold, seek warmth.
Do not leak the skin (sweat). Urgently hold onto the Qi.
This is the winter compliance of chi and the cultivation of the Dao of storage.
To oppose these principles injures the Kidneys.
(Consequently) Spring will bring paralysis and fainting (and) there will be little to offer one’s sprouting.
—Nei Jing, Chapter 2